DIEEC resources

X WHY Z Podcast: Protecting Early Childhood

Featuring Alison Keough, DIEEC Quality Improvement Specialist. In this episode, our hosts Irene Ashe and Meghan Pallante talked with Alison Keough, quality improvement specialist at the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. With extensive experience spanning various states in the United States, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge from her years in the field … Read more

X WHY Z Podcast: Statewide Gratitude

Featuring Jamie Schneider, Board President and Lisa Miller, Executive Director of deaeyc. In this episode, we have a conversation with Jamie Schneider, Board President, and Lisa Miller, Executive Director of the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (deaeyc). They both discuss field experiences, addressing the workforce crisis, celebrating recent deaeyc wins, and looking … Read more

X WHY Z Podcast: The Wellbeing of Educators

Featuring Dr. Laura Lessard and Stephen McLaren, MS, NBC-HWC. Hosts Irene and Meghan chat with Dr. Laura Lessard, Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, and Stephen McLaren, a Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, about the unique challenges and strategies for educator wellbeing.

X WHY Z Podcast: Find Your People

Featuring Toni Dickerson, Lisa E. Ratliff, Sherri Mark, and Shannon Mercer. In this episode, we explore the journey of a group of early childhood administrators who formed a resilient community of practice (COP) during the pandemic and have continued to meet regularly. As they navigate the ongoing workforce crisis together, the group shares the importance … Read more

X WHY Z Podcast: Workforce Collaboration

With guests Dr. Rena Hallam, interim dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Education & Human Development and professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and Dr. Chrishana M. Lloyd, Research Scholar at Child Trends. We explore how the National Early Care and Education Workforce Center collaborates with a variety of … Read more

X WHY Z Podcast: It Starts with You

In this episode, “It Starts With You,”we explore the topic of self-care and resilience. With special guest Dr. Nefertiti Poyner from the Devereux Center for Resilient Children, we delve into the crucial role of adults as anchors for children’s attachment and resilience.

Coach’s Corner: Dramatic Play

Play is a NECESSARY part of childhood. Children learn best through play, for a variety of reasons, including: How can teachers encourage this inherent curiosity? By providing children with stimulating, hands-on, child-led activities. A thoughtfully planned dramatic play area supports opportunities for children to try out new language and vocabulary, develop social skills, improve motor … Read more

Coach’s Corner: Community Partnerships

When it comes to children the old saying goes, “It takes avillage to raise a child.” But what does that village actuallylook like when it comes to early childhood education? Thevillage starts within the early childhood education programand includes the children and their families along with theprogram’s educators and staff. Through partnerships, thevillage can extend … Read more

Coach’s Corner: Active Play

Active play is important for the physical development of young children. Skills such as gross motor, depth perception, and visual-motor coordination are enhanced when children engage in physical education. Physical activity also helps to prevent childhood obesity. However, there are many more benefits to active, physical play that extend beyond physical development!